If you’re a social enterprise that supports employment pathways, you already know how hard it can be to access finance to grow. Despite the incredible social and economic returns our sector delivers, we are often overlooked by mainstream finance.
That’s why White Box Enterprises has launched the Social Enterprise Loan Fund (SELF)—a $4.2 million patient capital fund specifically designed to provide low-cost financing to social enterprises like you.
We know what it takes to build and scale a social enterprise supporting employment pathways. We’ve seen the financial roadblocks firsthand, and we’ve designed the SELF to work for you—providing tailored loans to help you expand your operations and create more jobs for disadvantaged Australians.
It is going to be a gamechanger. Here are five reasons why you should have it on your radar...
1. Breaking financial barriers to growth
Mainstream finance products don’t meet our needs, and without the typical security and track record demanded by mainstream lenders, it can be nearly impossible to obtain loans.
Put simply, there is a missing capital source that the market struggles to provide. The SELF is specifically designed to overcome this hurdle. It represents a groundbreaking step forward for many social enterprises that support employment pathways in Australia: the right capital, at the right time.
By providing loans with flexible terms, the SELF opens new avenues for you to access much-needed capital for growth and expansion when you need it. More than a loan fund; the SELF is about systems change. It is a strategic tool designed to empower social enterprises and show what’s possible when we’re able to break free from financial constraints and achieve our full potential.
2. Tailored for social enterprises supporting employment pathways
The SELF is uniquely positioned to offer flexible and patient capital specifically tailored to your needs. Loans range from $100,000 to $500,000, with terms up to seven years—structured to work with your business model, not against it. Our approach acknowledges the unique challenges social enterprises like you face and provides the necessary support for you to scale and thrive.
To qualify, you must have an established market presence and demonstrate a sustainable business model with ongoing cash flow. Priority will be given to social enterprises that can show measurable social impact, particularly in terms of creating employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups.
3. Designed for impact
One of the most innovative aspects of the SELF is its focus on impact. Loans offered through the SELF will come with impact discounts. If you achieve specific impact milestones, such as job creation or community benefits, you’ll be rewarded with an interest rate reduction, making borrowing even more affordable. This feature is designed to incentivise you to prioritise your positive societal contributions.
4. Moving beyond grants
Because most social enterprises haven’t had access to mainstream finance, as a sector we have gravitated to the one source of capital we can access - grants.
Most of us rely heavily on grants to fund our initiatives, and our growth. However, grants are often program and time specific and are not sustainable long term.
The SELF puts you in the driver’s seat. It’s not about waiting for a grant round to open or relying on funding cycles outside your control—it’s about having access to the right finance when your enterprise is ready for it. The SELF can help you transition from a grant-dependent model to one where you can access flexible financing that supports overall business growth. This shift allows you to focus on your mission and scale your impact sustainably.
5. A collaborative initiative with strong backing
The SELF is backed by significant players including Westpac Foundation, Macquarie Group Foundation, the Australian Government, the Victorian Government, the English Family Foundation, and the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation. This collaboration ensures the fund is robust and well-supported, giving you confidence the SELF is a reliable source of funding. The involvement of such reputable partners underscores the importance of supporting social enterprises in driving economic and social change.